Donita Large

There's no such thing as too much of Edmonton-based singer/songwriter Donita Large, and thankfully, she is back with her highly anticipated blues single, "Too Much of Anything.” After reaching the #1 spot on the Indigenous Music Countdown with her debut single, "Going To Walk That Line," fans have been wanting more.
 
Donita Large brought her bluesy charm when she emerged on the music scene in the summer of 2021. She quickly became a sought-after artist, performing at local festivals and shows, including the Edmonton International Fringe Festival, RavenWood Music Festival, K-Days Indigenous Experience, and a 'Songs of Reconciliation' concert at Leduc's MacLab Centre for Performing Arts. During her early days on the scene, Donita collaborated with lead and bass guitarist Anthony King, which led to the formation of 'Donita Large & The Small Band,' alongside bandmates Alan Tymofichuk and Barry Martin.
 
The idea for "Too Much of Anything" came to life one evening when Donita and Anthony decided to make music during a break from rehearsal. Donita wanted to write a new blues song, and Anthony, who loves the blues, started playing a bluesy 12-bar tune. This inspired Donita to begin writing the lyrics for "Too Much of Anything."
 
The song's message is simple, but the feelings are complicated: it's about the idea that "too much of anything is bad for you." It's like when you have too much of something, and it causes problems. Donita's song captures the mixed emotions of overdoing something and dealing with the results. That's why she sings the blues, to connect with those emotions and share them with others.
 
As the song's producer, Anthony King sought the best musicians in Edmonton for a live-off-the-floor recording. This effort led to a lineup that included Rooster Davis on the keys, Jamie Cooper on drums, Harry Gregg on bass, and Anthony himself on lead guitar. The recording process was a celebratory experience, resulting in a track that captures the spirit of the blues.
 
Donita Large will release this new single at Edmonton's Blues on Whyte - Commercial Hotel as a guest of Secondhand Dreamcar, where Harry, Rooster, and Jamie are all band members, and Anthony will join as a guest guitarist.
 
Get ready to hit replay and immerse yourself in the emotional storytelling power of the blues with Donita's 'Too Much of Anything' as it debuts on the airwaves now.

GeminiiDRAGON

The powerhouse Louisiana vocalist GeminiiDRAGON has been spreading her brand of Blues infused Rock , what she affectionately calls BLUES ON STEROIDS for a couple of albums so far. 

Well she returns with her new single and an upcoming album in one gigantic swoop. GeminiiDRAGON and her latest single 'WASTED TIME' from her upcoming album '3' out February 1, 2024 on Lightning In A Bottle Records.

The song 'WASTED TIME' is a powerful anthemic jaunt that blends her usual enigmatic vocals with the very Blues tinged Rock that has sparked the fire that is GeminiiDRAGON. 

"I just enjoy writing songs that I think can reach people and  relay what they're feeling every day, I'm a Joe Public just like the next person and I want to write my experiences just like the next person." says GeminiiDRAGON.

The song is just the beginning of a new journey for the singer who is stretching the bounds of what Blues and Rock means to her. 'WASTED TIME' is just the tip of the iceberg for this amazing singer and performer.

Will Ludford returns...

 

We  are pleased to announce the release of the  new album   from Guitarist..Will Ludford. 

The album  is well written  and produced, and mastered by  TQ1 Media who did the Paul McCartney albums and the top rock band Free.

Will Ludford has worked with many top names in music, The Barron Knights, The Detroit Emeralds, George Harrison. Alton Ellis, and members of the Chart topping band Liquid Gold. he also did session work at the Legendary Chalk Farm Studios.

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001862934361

André Bisson

Over 20 years in and acclaimed Canadian blues singer-songwriter, André Bisson, is still taking us on meaningful journeys with his songs, and his latest “Dusty Albums” is a walk-through of all the memories we've accumulated so far in life.
 
This reminiscence, however, is tainted with the sadness of missed opportunities and the thought of a life that could have been. Memories are one of the things we have of the life we lived, and in “Dusty Albums,” Bisson sings of “A past impossible to please yet now full of honesty.” Every line of the song somehow feels like listening to a thousand stories at once – “Spent my youth in a naive waste, little time to contemplate.”
 
The mid-tempo song derives strong influences from folk and country, as it talks about the way our perspective may come to change later in life, so much so that we may even start to regret certain decisions we once gloried in. 
 
“Dusty Albums” is the follow-up to “Shake,” – a saxophone-driven song that reminds us to give care to those who need it and to accept it from others when we need it. Both singles are from Bisson's upcoming 10th studio album *Latchford, which saw him write, arrange and produce eleven tracks for the project . If you ask him what Latchford's main theme is, he'd tell you that it is “perspective.” He'll also quote an introspective verse from Shakespeare that says, “I cried when I had no shoes, but I stopped crying when I saw a man without legs.”
 
When he's not picking up awards for his amazing songs, like winning Song of Year Award at  the International Song Competition from Blues & Roots Radio in 2022, he's confidently performing on stage with a band that can range from 6 to 20 people, or writing the next song that will touch our hearts. 
 
For the album, Bisson, in addition to writing and producing, sang all the lead vocals, played all the electric and acoustic guitars, along with some percussion and harmonica. Though it may look like he's a one-man songwriting and producing machine, he does employ the talents of others to help heighten the emotional range in his music. Joining him are Jesse O’Brien on piano and organ, Mike Rowell on bass guitar, Keagan Early on drums, Pat Carey on tenor and bari saxophone, Shawn Moody on trumpet/flugelhorn, Loretta Hale on trumpet and cello, Rob Somerville on trombone, Paul Barna on violin/viola, Quisha Wint and Selena Evangeline on backing vocals and Dan Rodrigues on additional piano. His eclectic use of different instruments is a constant joy to fans. 
 
Bisson is a firm believer that we can improve our situation when we change our outlook on it and wants to pass this message on through Latchford – out September 15, 2023. 
 
“Realizing that when we control our thoughts, we have full control of our lives, our outlook on life, and our reality.”
 
Since getting his first taste of what it feels like to perform live at the tender age of 15, Bisson has made it his priority to put on thrilling shows that will make fans lose themselves in the act. 

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne

Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne has received many accolades over the course of his six-decade musical career, and this year brings a particularly honourable distinction. In recognition of Wayne’s outstanding contributions to the blues genre, the Jus’ Blues Foundation has selected him for the Jus’ Blues Bobby “Blue” Bland Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
For more than 25 years, the Atlanta-based Jus' Blues Foundation has worked tirelessly to nurture the cultural heritage of the Blues through arts education programs, philanthropic efforts, and special events designed to protect the legacy and originators of the Blues.
 
Wayne will be presented with the award, named for the legendary American blues singer Bobby “Blue” Bland, at both a VIP Honoree Reception on August 2nd and at the Jus' Blues Music Awards "Night of the Living Legends" on August 3rd held at the Bluesville Music Hall in Tunica, Mississippi.
 
“Life is a mystery and full of surprises and this Lifetime Achievement Award is surely a surprise,” said Wayne. “I am very honoured to be receiving it.”
 
A monster piano player, imaginative songwriter, and soulful singer in the style of Fats Domino, Johnnie Johnson and Ray Charles backed by a very tight band, Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne is a member of the Boogie-Woogie Piano Hall of Fame and has received two consecutive Living Blues Magazine Awards and a JUNO Award and is a multiple Maple Blues Award winner – and the best dressed Bluesman in Canada.
 
Now 78, Wayne’s six-decade musical career began with him soaking up the sounds of gospel music from his father, a preacher. From there, his genre journey traversed through jazz, Latin, R&B, and soul, with explorations in swing, bebop, dance, and the standards for good measure. His Blues From Chicago to Paris: A Tribute to Memphis Slim and Willie Dixon remained on the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart for 37 consecutive weeks, hitting #1 on several occasions.

Candance Woodson

Twenty-eight days after her 2014 breast cancer surgery, Candace Woodson was back to business-as-usual performing at the wedding of one of John “Cougar” Mellencamp’s daughters. This is a testament to Candace Woodson’s lifelong passion for performing and a talent for resilience she calls “stick to it-ness”. A survivor since 2014, she wrote the song “Free,” a funky old school dance anthem that conveys hope and positivity in the wake of adversity. 

This is a message she conveys stemming from her own experience and feeling after receiving her last cancer treatment at the Medical University of South Carolina. With the help of UK promoter Steve Ripley, who has worked on hits for Diana Ross, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, and Jody Watley, “Free” rose to #12 on the UK Soul Chart Top 30. This success laid the foundation for a handful of other chart-topping singles, including “The Answer Is No”, a defiant female empowerment ballad. “The Answer Is No” hit #1 on the UK Soul Chart Top 30 and has continued to receive airplay on Smooth Jazz Radio as well as other top stations. Woodson received Billboard’s “Most Added” designation and a “Best International Artist” nominee. Her highly anticipated full-length debut album “Desire” includes her UK hits as well as new tracks that would become international fan favorites. “I’m so grateful for the opportunities I have had in the UK, and it’s exciting now to work with some of the best in the business in expanding my fan base internationally.” “I have stopped and started the musical part of my life so many times, but this time I will not stop no matter how things play out. To me, my music is very authentic, and it reflects everything I’ve gone through and the soul of someone who has loved music all her life “.

Bar Prescription

Fog Blues & Brass Band, the talented and charismatic 7-piece ensemble of Blues artists from Kitchener, Ontario, are excited to announce the release of their latest single, "Too Deep" – available now.  The new track is featured on the blues/rock band’s latest EP – 12 Bar Prescription, debuting this week at #4 on the Roots Music Report’s Canadian Chart.
 
Known for their infectious, high-energy live performances and creative twist on the classic rock and blues sound, Fog Blues & Brass Band continues to captivate audiences with their powerful rock-infused music. The songwriting process for the group has always been a collaborative effort, with one member coming up with an idea or demo for a song and then everyone contributing their ideas and talents to bring it to fruition. According to the band, this tune came together rather quickly.
 
"Too Deep" initially had a different working title but Fog Blues & Brass Band made a conscious decision to remove the expletive to keep their music clean and free of profanity.
 
"We're a fun, easy-going type of band, and we like to keep our lyrics light and airy, poking fun at situational experiences we've encountered or stories about people we know," says the band. "The subject matter of 'Too Deep' is something we all can relate to - those moments when a friend or family member falls head over heels for someone, but we know the relationship might not end well due to love blinders."
 
After playing "Too Deep" live and witnessing the positive response from their audience, Fog Blues & Brass Band felt confident that the song would resonate with their fans. This confirmation inspired them to head straight to the recording studio to capture the magic of the song.
 
"Music is an art, and we always want to create something meaningful and enjoyable for our listeners," says the band. "We might overthink things at times, but we're considerate of people's feelings, and we want to be good humans, spreading positivity through our music."
 
Fog Blues & Brass Band exploded onto the music scene with their debut album, "Into The Fog!" in 2018, which attracted much fanfare as each track from the album received extensive airplay on live radio both locally and abroad. Comprised of a group of seasoned musicians, Fog Blues & Brass Band’s live performances are nothing short of spectacular as their signature mix of Classic Blues, R&B, and Rock creates a captivating and electrifying experience for all audiences.

Buzz Kiefer

In the tradition of “Santa Clause Wants Some Lovin’” and “Santa Baby”, “I Wanna Be the Christmas tree” is dripping with inuendo and double entendre.

Chicago style horns and doo-wop BGVs make this entry into the Christmas repertoire, an extravaganza. There’s ear-candy here to satisfy the sweetest of sweet-tooths, tastfully undercut by the eye-popping irreverence of its lyrics.

Sleigh bells (drummer, James Rogan) and horse whinnies (Jimmy Bowland on saxophone) take the listener on a sleigh ride, but the riding whip, implies something more naughty.

'I wrote these lyrics at a Christmas Party,' says singer/songwriter, Buzz Kiefer, 'I asked everyone there to say something sexy about Christmas. Then I wrote the music like it was for a strip tease.'

Holiday traditions like figgy pudding and tree-top angels become metaphors for that strip tease.

Complete with angel-choir modulation in the final chorus, this slippery 6/8 groove proves: Christmas is for lovers.

Canadian Blues Guitarist André Bisson Releases 'Dusty Albums': A Soulful Voyage Through Memories

Over 20 years in and acclaimed Canadian blues singer-songwriter, André Bisson, is still taking us on meaningful journeys with his songs, and his latest “Dusty Albums” is a walk-through of all the memories we've accumulated so far in life.
 
This reminiscence, however, is tainted with the sadness of missed opportunities and the thought of a life that could have been. Memories are one of the things we have of the life we lived, and in “Dusty Albums,” Bisson sings of “A past impossible to please yet now full of honesty.” Every line of the song somehow feels like listening to a thousand stories at once – “Spent my youth in a naive waste, little time to contemplate.”
 
The mid-tempo song derives strong influences from folk and country, as it talks about the way our perspective may come to change later in life, so much so that we may even start to regret certain decisions we once gloried in. 
 
“Dusty Albums” is the follow-up to “Shake,” – a saxophone-driven song that reminds us to give care to those who need it and to accept it from others when we need it. Both singles are from Bisson's upcoming 10th studio album *Latchford, which saw him write, arrange and produce eleven tracks for the project . If you ask him what Latchford's main theme is, he'd tell you that it is “perspective.” He'll also quote an introspective verse from Shakespeare that says, “I cried when I had no shoes, but I stopped crying when I saw a man without legs.”
 
When he's not picking up awards for his amazing songs, like winning Song of Year Award at  the International Song Competition from Blues & Roots Radio in 2022, he's confidently performing on stage with a band that can range from 6 to 20 people, or writing the next song that will touch our hearts. 
 
For the album, Bisson, in addition to writing and producing, sang all the lead vocals, played all the electric and acoustic guitars, along with some percussion and harmonica. Though it may look like he's a one-man songwriting and producing machine, he does employ the talents of others to help heighten the emotional range in his music. Joining him are Jesse O’Brien on piano and organ, Mike Rowell on bass guitar, Keagan Early on drums, Pat Carey on tenor and bari saxophone, Shawn Moody on trumpet/flugelhorn, Loretta Hale on trumpet and cello, Rob Somerville on trombone, Paul Barna on violin/viola, Quisha Wint and Selena Evangeline on backing vocals and Dan Rodrigues on additional piano. His eclectic use of different instruments is a constant joy to fans. 
 
Bisson is a firm believer that we can improve our situation when we change our outlook on it and wants to pass this message on through Latchford – out September 15, 2023. 
 
“Realizing that when we control our thoughts, we have full control of our lives, our outlook on life, and our reality.”
 
Since getting his first taste of what it feels like to perform live at the tender age of 15, Bisson has made it his priority to put on thrilling shows that will make fans lose themselves in the act. 

 

Long-running Canadian Jazz, Blues & Gospel Label Justin Time Records Celebrates 40th Anniversary Shares 40 Years Of Justin Time Records Selections From Over 600 Recordings

The long-running Canadian jazz, blues and gospel label Justin Time Records celebrates its 40th Anniversary and releases 40 Years of Justin Time Records, a compilation of 40-songs from quintessential releases past and present.
 
Founded in Montreal in 1983 by Jim West, Justin Time began its renowned history by releasing the first recording from jazz pianist and 2023 Canadian Music Hall of Fame Inductee Oliver Jones. Now 40 years later with over 600 recordings released by some of the finest musicians in the world, Canada’s premiere jazz, blues and gospel label celebrates this milestone as an homage to the passion and diversity that are the cornerstones of the label. The Anniversary Collection features selections from the label’s roster past and present, including Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee, the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir, Diana Krall, David Murray, Oscar Peterson, Susie Arioli, Frank Marino, Christine Jensen, David Clayton-Thomas, Hank Jones, Halie Loren, Paul Bley and many more.

Label founder Jim West reflects, “It’s hard to believe over 40 years have passed since the birth of Justin Time Records and the launch of its first recording, the Oliver Jones Trio ‘Live at Biddles Jazz & Ribs.’ Over the label’s history we are looking at more than 600 album releases with some of the best musicians in the business. It is so important for me to note, and very proudly so, that our first three signings, Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee and Trevor W. Payne and the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir are still with us today and great friends with whom we talk daily. Other musical talents such as the late great Oscar Peterson, Kenny Wheeler, Paul Bley, Kenny Werner, Diana Krall, World Saxophone Quartet, Fontella Bass, David Murray, Billy Bang, Susie Arioli, Bryan Lee, Matt Herskowitz, Carol Welsman, Dave Van Ronk, Rob McConnell, David Clayton-Thomas, Frank Marino and Hank Jones amongst many others have blessed the label with their talents. Added to this list are a new generation of artists such Emma Frank, Katherine Penfold, Halie Loren and Laura Anglade to name a few. How lucky we have been.”

In 2016, the Montreal International Jazz Festival presented Jim West with the Bruce Lundvall Award, named after the late American Blue Note executive and presented to a person from the media or music industry who has made a significant contribution to the development of jazz. In 2018, he received the Builder Award from the Canadian Independent Music Association’s CIMA Award, and in 2022 he was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the Canadian recording industry, and for supporting and championing our country’s talent.

Justin Time Records 40th Anniversary Collection Track List:
1.  Oliver Jones – Blues For Helene
2.  Ranee Lee – I’ve Got The World On A String
3.  Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir – Goin’ Up Yonder
4.  Diana Krall – Straighten Up and Fly Right
5.  Billy Bang – Reflections
6.  Quartango – Androgyne
7.  Brian Hughes – Promise You
8.  Carol Welsman – What A Fool Believes
9.  Lorraine Klaasen – Pata Pata
10. Halie Loren – Waiting In Vain
11. Laura Anglade & Sam Kirmayer – J’aime Paris au mois de mai
12. Jean-Michel Pilc - Your Lullaby
13. Paul Bley – Lucky
14. Susie Arioli – Pennies from Heaven
15. Hank Jones – Pauletta
16. David Murray – Giant Steps
17. World Saxophone Quartet – Hey Joe
18. Brandi Disterheft – Blues For Nelson Mandela
19. Taurey Butler – Swappin’ Lies
20. Denny Christianson – Looking for the Back Door
21. Bryan Lee – Louisiana Woman
22. Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush – Red House
23. Emma Frank – Steady
24. Kitt – (I Would Be) Grateful
25. Jeri Brown – The Twelfth of Never
26. David Clayton-Thomas – (You’ve Made Me So) Very Happy
27. D.D. Jackson – Peace Song
28. Dave Young – OP&D
29. Little Animal! – Twindle
30. Coral Egan – State of Grace
31. Hugh Ragin – An Afternoon in Harlem
32. Hilario Durán – Autumn Nocturne
33. Oscar Peterson – Surrey With the Fringe on Top
34. John Stetch – Autumn In New York
35. Christine Jensen – Day Moon
36. Michael Marcus – The Legend of Hale-Bopp
37. Sonny Greenwich – Bird of Paradise
38. Nelson Symonds – Getting Personal
39. Alex Pangman – When I Get Low I Get High
40. Matt Herskowitz – Tribute to John Coates

André Bisson Dazzles with 'The Reformed Deceiver': A Soulful Slice of Upbeat Musical Brilliance with a Touch of Classic Motown

Sliding in with a new single, 'The Reformed Deceiver,' André Bisson brings us an upbeat soul song that wouldn't be far removed from any Motown classic. Tinged with Bisson's signature blues country sound, 'The Reformed Deceiver' is out now.
 
From a small town in Northern Ontario to the warming crowds of England and Wales, Bisson's message demands attention. With a 20-year career, he boasts 9 studio albums, numerous awards, and sold-out shows across Canada, the US, the UK, and Europe. As the sole songwriter and arranger for his 6 to 20-piece ensemble, Andre infuses soul, roots, blues, and R&B, crafting a unique musical brand that complements his poignant lyrics.
 
Since his debut on stage at 15, Andre's unwavering love for live performances has remained constant. Teaming up with world-class musicians, he prioritizes delivering an exciting and unforgettable musical experience. His style and musical philosophy have gained recognition, earning awards like "Male Vocalist of the Year" and "Song of the Year." Each performance captivates the audience with ever-evolving sound, leaving them eager for his 10th album, due in Fall 2023.
 
'The Reformed Deceiver' is a lively soul tune that fuses the energetic charm of a blues horn section and the elegance of a string ensemble. This burning combination brings us back to the nostalgia of 1960s Motown. With many themes running through the song, its underlying narrative delves into ideas that when we shed the burdens that weigh us down, we free ourselves from self-deception and embrace the potential of a brighter future we can shape on our own terms. It serves as an uplifting reminder of the boundless possibilities when we let go of the impossible and draw inspiration from our limitless potential.
 
The song opens with a toe-tapping intro of horns, dancing piano, warming strings, and popping drums before dropping to just a piano melody, a walking bass and the chugga of an electric that fluidly walks around Bisson's husky vocals on his opening verse. Bisson follows the classic verse chorus verse pattern, which is ideal because it works perfectly. As Bisson builds to the chorus, we get an uplifting yet gentle build-up before it kicks in.
 
'Now I'm a believer, a reformed deceiver
I'm through with walking away
I don't know where tomorrow lies
And today's left in disguise
So thank you for yesterday.'
 
Bisson says, "If I were to use one word to describe the theme of this album, it would be 'perspective'. Perspective, along with observation and empathy can create the reality we choose to live in.”
 
He adds, “We may not be able to control all the things in our lives, but we can control how we react to them. This can make all the difference. The outlook differs drastically when the situation is approached from a different angle. To quote William Shakespeare: 'I cried when I had no shoes, but I stopped crying when I saw a man without legs.'"
 
'The Reformed Deceiver' is the next single from Bisson's new studio album 'Latchford' with the rolling blues train of 'Dusty Albums' in July and the 60s groove of 'Shake' in May. This trio of singles forms the backbone of a solid set of new songs from Bisson.
 
The essence of an album delves into the profound idea that transforming our lives isn't always about altering external circumstances. Still, instead, it's about how we perceive and interpret them. By recognizing our power over our thoughts, we gain mastery over our existence, shaping our outlook on life and moulding our reality. This collection of songs urges us to take responsibility for our destinies, acknowledging that the keys to a fulfilling life reside within ourselves. The album beautifully reminds us that the tools needed to lead a desired life already exist, waiting to be unlocked and unleashed.
 
In his latest album, "Latchford," André Bisson continues his tradition of being the sole songwriter, arranger, and producer, as he demonstrated with previous successful albums like "The Ballad of Lucy Stone" released in 2022. However, to bring these tunes to life, he enlisted the collaboration of a highly talented and diverse group of musicians. While Bisson handles lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and certain percussion and harmonica parts, he is joined by an exceptional ensemble. The roster includes Jesse O'Brien on piano and organ, Mike Rowell on bass guitar, Keagan Early on drums, Pat Carey on tenor and bari saxophone, Shawn Moody on trumpet/flugelhorn, Loretta Hale on trumpet and cello, Rob Somerville on trombone, Paul Barna on violin/viola, and backing vocalists Quisha Wint and Selena Evangeline, with additional piano by Dan Rodrigues. The album was expertly recorded at Mississauga's Metalworks Studios, with engineering and mixing credits going to Wayne Cochrane Sound and the final touches handled by mastering engineer Chris Crerar.
 
'The Reformed Deceiver,' the Motown-inspired lively soul story, is the third single from André Bisson's upcoming new album "Latchford" and is available now.